FAQ

Although Ronald S. Clement handles a variety of other types of cases, the most frequently asked questions regard divorces and/or family law.

Q. How much does a divorce cost?
A: Every divorce case is unique and the attorney's fees and costs vary depending upon your situation. Please contact our office and schedule an appointment with the attorney. He will be able to assess your case at your office visit. Please keep in mind that many factors are considered in estimating the total expenses for a divorce. For example, a divorce case that involves little property and debts and no children will be less expensive than a divorce that includes a "custody battle" or a great deal of assets and debts.

Q: Can I get alimony?
A.  There are many factors that the Court considers regarding a spouse's entitlement to alimony. These factors include, but are not limited to, the length of the marriage, the age and health of each party, the earning potential of each party, the needs and expenses of each party, marital misconduct and the standard of living established during the marriage. Please contact our office and schedule an appointment with the attorney so that he can review your current situation.

Q: How much child support can I expect?
A: Again, many factors are considered in determining an award of child support. The custodial parent is certainly entitled to child support from the non-custodial parent. The exact amount is determined by the income of each party, the number of children to be supported, the child care expenses, the child(ren)'s health care insurance premium and any other alimony or support award affecting either party. When you schedule your first visit with the attorney you should know the variables listed above so that he will be able to provide you with a child support calculation.

Q: What if my spouse and I have an agreement and we just want a divorce?
A: Very often people believe they have an agreement and they very well may have an agreement. However, experience has shown that when the parties begin to operate under the agreement, one party decides to change the agreement to his/her advantage. For this reason, it is best that the parties have a written settlement agreement to be presented to the Family Court for approval. When the Family Court approves the agreement, it will then become an Order of the Court that both parties will be required to abide by. Our office is very skilled in preparing and negotiating settlement agreements. Once an agreement has been "hammered out" the attorney can finalize the agreement through a final hearing and court approval. Please contact our office and schedule an appointment to discuss your situation.

Q: What proof do I need to get a divorce?
A: South Carolina recognizes five separate grounds for divorce: (a) one year of continuous separation; (b) adultery; (c) habitual drunkenness or drug use; (d) physical cruelty and (e) abandonment.  The amount and type of proof necessary for the separate grounds is different for each one.  For example, a divorce based upon a continuous one year separation requires a third party's sworn testimony that you and your spouse have been separated for continuously one year.  However, a divorce based upon adultery will require more corroborating evidence and testimony.  Please contact our office and schedule an appointment to discuss the different grounds for divorce and the proof required for each.